The only times I have visited this forum have been when reading something about Lyme Disease/Borrelia or other tickborne illness, but each time it concerns me the lack of awareness on the forum about chronic lyme disease.
A useful resource as well as the two links I already mentioned would be chat line Eurolyme
EuroLyme : EuroLyme Lyme Disease Support Group
Apart from the friendly sharing of experiences many of which you will find you identify with you will also find useful research articles in files, one word of warning though because of the high number of posts a day it is worth using a seperate e mail address so as not to mix up with your usual e mails.
I do not want to draw you away from this useful forum but no reason why both can't be of use to some people who suspect borrelia could be involved.
A really interesting read for anyone suspecting they have MS or ALS or any Neurological illness are the lectures by Microbiologist Tom Grier who diagnosed with MS eventually found it to be Lyme disease.
These lectures 1,2,3a,3b and 4 can probably be found in many areas of the Internet but because I do a blog on Lyme my easiest access is on that blog, scroll down the right hand column past many other interesting links until you find them highlighted.
LOOKING AT LYME DISEASE
You will be surprised at the research that has previously found spirochetes associated with MS and Lyme Disease all currently po poohed as fashions have changed in favour of supressing our immune systems rather than seeking the cause of these symptoms.
I do have the references for all his research work but because there are over 100 pages I would have to send them on a request only basis.
Apologise for the highlighting and colours of my posts but done to help those with Neuro lyme who have difficulty reading plain print.
It is very important to exclude pathogens as a cause of neuro symptoms or other symptoms before using steroids something which is not currently being done properly (my own experiences being a case in point), clearly with Borrelia by using steroids the bacterial infection is allowed to progress whilst appearing to help temporarily as it suppresses the symptoms of inflamation.
Alyoop as you are involved in Neurology and research you will find this extremely interesting.
I don't think Lyme is acknowledged as being in NZ but as Borrelia is carried on birds and is found in many of your neighbouring countries I think you will find that you will not be an exception despite what your health authroities might believe.
Interesting developments currently in Australia where Borrelia was denied by it's health authroities excepting from overseas infections but a recent case is making the headlines Karl McManus who had MN type illness following tick bite was on autopsy found to have Borrelia, now further tests are being done in labs around the world to confirm this. This has been organised by his widow in order to try and get the health authorities there to accept there is Lyme in Australia. This website for information on Karl.
Karl McManus Foundation for Lyme Disease Research & Awareness
Sorry I digress but do your research and don't be fobbed off by doctors who have not done their research but are being swayed by outdated information.